Gaming and nightlife are not the only reasons visitors come to the valley.  Well, maybe they are, but that should not always be the case.  We are surrounded by majestic desert beauty here in the valley, and that in itself is an attraction.

One such example is the Valley of Fire.  Valley of Fire State Park is located only six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas off of I15.  Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park.  The name ‘Valley of Fire’ comes from red sandstone formations, formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs, 150 million years ago.

And majestic it is, take a look at Nicholas Price’s pictoral “Playground of the Gods.”

Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography.  To see it for yourself, check out one of these guided tours coming up in May.

***

Mouse’s Tank/Petro Hike

When: Sun. 5/2/10 10:30am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Where: Mouse’s Tank Trailhead

Description:

Join a park staff on the easy ¾ mile roundtrip hike through Petroglyph Canyon and to Mouse’s Tank. Learn about the “Renegade” Paiute, Mouse and how he was able to survive and hide within Valley of Fire State Park. Also learn about the ancient rock art that covers the canyon.

***

Rainbow Vista Hike

When:Sat 5/8/10 11am- 12:30pm

Where:Rainbow Vista Parking lot.

Description:

Hike with a Ranger down to the Fire Canyon Overlook. Along the way learn about the geology, plants and animals of Valley of Fire.

Photo credit: Valley of Fire State Park